Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis is a suitable tool for differentiation of mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strains without cultivation

An assay based on multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis allowed differentiating and studying diversity and persistence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strains in pig herds without prior cultivation. The test had a discriminatory index of > 0.99 and was applied reliably to porcine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and tracheal swabs.